The best brands of whiskey. Scotland: whiskey producing regions

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

The magic of whiskey, among other things, is based on the fact that the drink is endemic to the land in which it is produced.

Five Traditions

Streams and rivers flow along the Scottish munro slopes, feeding the mountain sucker lakes and providing crystal clear water to the fertile lands of Scotland, generously producing m alted barley. All of these ingredients combine to create a mash that, through the alchemy of distillation, will become much more than the sum of the whiskey's ingredients.

Scotland is divided into five main regions, each of which leaves its own unique imprint on the product created there. These areas, defined by legally defined geographical boundaries, can be seen as terroir regions in France where wine, say Burgundy, can be produced exclusively in Burgundy because the local soil and microclimate are soare unique in that they leave a recognizable "brand" on the grapes grown here.

The following is a brief description of the main regions of Scotland for the production of whiskey, allocated according to the Regulation 2009, which identified 5 main traditional areas and regional characteristics of this drink.

Lowland

This area was once teeming with distilleries (215 distilleries are listed in an 18th-century register), and no one knows exactly why Scottish whiskey production has plummeted so dramatically. Many point to the successive acts of the British Parliament, which contributed to the increase in the production of English gin, which deprived local producers of their largest market. Other reasons cited are a shift in consumer preferences to taste stronger Highland flavors.

The lowlands are located south of the invisible border that stretches from Greenock on the west coast to Dundee in the east. There are currently three main whiskey distillers active here: Auchentoshan, Bladnoch and Glenkinchie, with two more starting at Daftmill and Aisla Bay.

The region is famous for its light and soft scotch tape with no aftertaste of smoke. Writer Charles McLean spoke of the local whiskey as the perfect aperitif. It's a great option for those who are just getting started with this drink, as well as for experienced connoisseurs - triple distillation is more common in the lowlands than in any other region of whiskey production.

Scotland is divided into Highlands and Lowlands thanks to scotch makers as the borderbetween them was determined by the law of 1784, according to which different duties were established for the north and south. The purpose of the act was to encourage legal distillation in the mountainous regions and to reduce illegal distillation. Smaller industries north of the dividing line now have lower tax rates.

• Lowland's typical Scotch style is light, floral and fruity.
• The main active whiskey producers are Auchentoshan, Bladnoch and Glenkinchie.
• Closed or mothballed distilleries: Inverleven, Littlemill, Rosenbank and St Magdalene.

Auchentoshan

The distillery was founded in 1823. Since that time, six owners have changed, who carefully kept the unique production technology. The taste and aroma of whiskey is revealed here in the process of triple, and not double distillation, as is usually done in Scotland. Produced single m alt Auchentoshan 10-year-old has a golden color, soft freshness with hints of oak. A clear, fruity taste ends with a delicate sweet aftertaste.

Bladnoch

The distillery was founded in 1917 by the McClelland family and has since changed hands several times, closing occasionally until it reopened in 2000 to produce limited quantities of outstanding single m alts. Bladnoch 15 Year Old has a deep yellow hue with soft buttery, herbal, lemony and fruity aromas with floral undertones. Long licorice aftertaste. There are tones of melon, raspberry,strawberries and citrus fruits.

Speyside

The largest number of whiskey manufacturers and two-thirds of all m alt production is located in the most densely populated region of the country - in the Spey River Valley, or Speyside. Charles McLean described the scotch here as "sweet, with pronounced notes of esters, fragrant with pear drops, cloves, Parma violets, roses, apples, bananas, cream soda and lemonade." In recent times, the region has been producing many different varieties of classic m alt whiskeys, and it's not uncommon to see highly peaty drinks side by side with traditional ones. Speyside Scotch has an incredible range of flavors, from sherry-aged Aberlour and Mortlach to smoky Benriach and Benromach.

• The typical style of Speyside Scotch is rich and fruity, although the use of peat is becoming more common.
• Main active distilleries: Benromach, Balvenie, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Macallan, Glenfarclas and Mortlach.
• Closed or mothballed businesses: Dallas Dhu, Caperdonich, Coleburn, Banff, Convalmore.

Glenlivet

Glenlivet is perhaps the region's best-known single m alt scotch whiskey, and its name has been so popular that many other distilleries have begun to appropriate it. When J. G. Smith, the owner of the distillery, tried to claim ownership of the name, he was only partially successful. The court decision to transfer to him the right to the name also allowed othersmanufacturers to use the name "Glenlivet" next to the name of their plant. It can still be seen on some old bottles from this region.

The founder of the enterprise, encouraged by the Duke of Gordon, first applied for a license in 1824. He went against the public sentiment of the time. Illegal producers, not happy with this act of Smith, threatened him with death, and Duke Gordon even gave him 2 pistols for protection, which can still be seen in the visitor center at the distillery. Legalization gave Smith an edge that propelled the brand into the lead. Today the company is owned by the Chivas and Glenlivet group, acquired by Pernod Ricard in 2001. The factory closed only during the Second World War due to a shortage of barley. Glenlivet is used in top blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute.

12-year-old single m alt whiskey with a light golden hue has a floral aroma and notes of sherry, spices and vanilla. The palate is slightly smoky, delicate, slightly sweet and fruity, clean and well balanced. The finish is long, but soft and warm, with peaty trails at the end.

Campbeltown

Campbeltown is located towards the end of the Mull of Kintyre peninsula on the west coast of Scotland. There were once over 30 whiskey distilleries here, of which only three are currently in operation: Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank.

Springbank Campbeltown M alt Scotch Rich, complex, full of flavor with hints of the seas alt and soft peat. Hazelburn from Glen Scotia and Springbank is triple distilled and is an easy alternative for those who prefer more freshness. When beverage historian Alfred Barnard visited the area in 1885, he named Campbeltown "Whiskey City". There were 21 businesses operating there at the time, and it took him two weeks to inspect them.

Demand at the beginning of the 20th century increased production at Campbeltown so much that impurities began to penetrate the final product, inevitably leading to a decrease in product quality. Because of this, the whiskey had a fishy smell, and buyers accused the manufacturers of using herring barrels to mature the drink.

• Typical style - strong, rich and marine.
• Main active businesses: Springbank, Glen Scotia and Kilkerran.
• Closed and mothballed distilleries: Ballegerggan, Dalaruan and Glen Nevis.

Glen Scotia

The distillery was founded in 1832. In 1979–82. almost £1 million was spent on its modernization, but in 1984 it was closed. Having opened in 1989, the enterprise was mothballed again in 1994. But recently trial batches of whiskey have been distilled. The quality of the alcohol was so good that regular production is planned. So far, Glen Scotia is open 3 months a year thanks to the employees of the nearby Springbank distillery.

12-year-old amber golden scotch has a very spicy, peppery aroma with hints of sherry. The taste is spicy, with chocolate and plum hints and a warm pleasant finish.

Springbank

Founded in 1828 by Archibald Mitchell, is the oldest independent whiskey distillery in Scotland and remains under the control of the founder's descendants to this day. 3 different brands are made here - Springbank, Longrow and Hazelburn. Springbank is distilled 2.5 times. Germinated barley is dried over burning peat for only 6 hours, and then for 24 hours with warm air. The result is a less smoky whiskey than typically made in Campbeltown. Springbank is one of two distilleries that bottle whiskey at the source, using the original water to reduce the strength of the drink. Another such manufacturer is Glenfiddich. All whiskey made in Springbank is sold as single m alt. The 10-year-old drink has a light golden hue, aromas of citrus, pear and peat. Taste of smoke, vanilla, nutmeg, slightly s alty. The finish is full, rich, long, warm, slightly s alty.

Highland and Islands

This region, which also covers the islands, probably has the widest range of flavors, from light Glengoyne and Deanston to brackish coastal varieties like Old Pulteney and Oban.

Island M alt Whiskey also has its own styles, ranging from the lightness of Arran to the sweetness of Jura and Tobermory, the rich, complex aromas of Highland Park Whiskeys.

• Typical style - varied.
• Main active distilleries: Highland Park, Glenmorangie, Dalmore, Jura, Tobermory andOban.
• Closed or mothballed factories: Brora, Glen Mhor, Millburn and Glenugie.

Highland Park

Founded in 1798 on the island of Orkney, the distillery is the northernmost distillery in Scotland. The company independently extracts peat for drying m alting barley. The result of the production process is a m alt whiskey with a heather aroma and a delicate smoke that allows it to remain a favorite drink of enthusiasts. Approximately 60% of the production of the enterprise is single m alt scotch, and the remaining 40% goes to the production of single-barrel and mixed drinks. Highland Park no longer sells its products to independent bottlers.

There are very few other brands of single m alt scotch that have been so consistently praised by connoisseurs and experts for their 12, 15, 18, 25, 30 and 40 year versions.

30 Year Old Highland Park Whiskey has a copper-amber hue, spicy, nutmeg aroma with hints of dark chocolate. Taste of toffee, dark chocolate, orange and peat. The finish is long, rich, smoky and surprisingly sweet.

Whiskey connoisseur, columnist and pundit Michael Jackson once called Highland Park "the world's greatest all-rounder".

Dalmore

The distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson. Located on the banks of the Cromaty Firth opposite Black Island. The scotch produced here has full flavor and body. The long, generous finish makes it a classic Highland whiskey. Today, 62-year-old Dalmore is the mostthe most expensive tape in the world. In May 2005, a bottle of whiskey was purchased for £32,000. 12 year old Dalmore has a deep golden mahogany undertone. The aroma is intense and persistent, well structured with smooth m alt tones - oloroso sherry, orange, marmalade and spices. Elegant taste of aged sherry with a generous aftertaste.

Islay

There are currently eight whiskey distilleries in Islay. Scotland is famous for the world-famous varieties produced here. It's fair to say that Islay lives on scotch, as most of the local population is involved in its production in one way or another, either growing barley, or distilling whiskey, or distributing it. It is even believed that the island was one of the first places where monks started smoking Uisge Beatha in the early 14th century. This was due to a near-perfect combination of several factors: excellent soil for growing barley, peat for fuel, and a constant source of clean water.

The island itself has a great influence on the flavor of the drink produced here. The soil here is mostly peat, and most of the water is brown due to its excess, while winter storms often carry sea s alt far inland, adding a brackish note to the smoky flavor. However, not all local whiskey is massively smoked. For example, varieties such as Bunnahabhain and Bruchladdich use very little or no peat.applies.

• Aylay's typical scotch style is smoky (with the exception of Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich).
• Main active distilleries: Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin and Laphroaig.
• Closed or mothballed distilleries: Port Ellen.

Laphroaig

The distillery was founded in 1815 by Donald and Alex Johnston. About 10% of production is single m alt whiskey, with the rest being sold to make famous blends such as Long John, Black Bottle and Islay Mist. Laphroaig can either be loved or hated. Its distinctive character may seem redundant to some. For beginners, it is better to try easier options, such as Bowmore. But if whiskey is to your taste, then you definitely won’t find another like it. 15 year old Laphroaig has a rich bright golden hue, a mild smoky aroma and a pleasant sweetness of fresh hay. Tastes of oak, peat smoke, nutmeg, roasted almonds, s alty. The finish is long, resonant, juicy and expressive.

Bowmore

The distillery was founded in Islay in 1779 and is one of the oldest in Scotland. It is located on the seafront, which is essential for defining the character of a single m alt whisky, as it adheres to traditional technology. It is one of only five distilleries that still makes their current barley m alt. The production uses water from the Laggan River, which has absorbed the aromas of local peat, which is also used indrying barley. Whiskey matures in damp cellars located below sea level in Spanish and American oak barrels. Peat, barley, water, wood, people and tradition combine to create the robust, warm and smoky character of Bowmore Islay single m alt.

Bowmore Dusk has a polished teak color with aromas of apricot, honey melon and lychee. The taste of claret, the peaty warmth of the island are replaced by tones of dark chocolate and liquorice. There are notes of tangerine, Caribbean cane sugar. The finish is long, juicy, smoky and sweet.

Lagavulin

The distillery was founded in 1816 by local farmer John Johnston. It was the first local legal whiskey distillery. The drink created here has received many prizes, including 9 gold medals at the IWSC International Competition. The 16-year-old Lagavulin is considered the best single m alt whiskey of the island due to its balanced taste - a little iodine, a little smoke, moderate earthy notes and a long, smooth, elegant finish full of peaty, s alty tones with hints of seaweed.

Blends

There are several categories of whiskey. Scotland has legislated five types of this drink. Single m alt is produced only from water and barley m alt at one distillery in batch distillers. Single grain can include m alted and regular grains. Blended scotch whiskey is a blend of one or more types of single m alt and one or more types of single grain scotch. Beforeadoption of the new rules, any mixture was called that, regardless of the material of its manufacture. A distinction is also made between blended m alt and blended grain Scotch whisky.

The world's most popular blend is Johnnie Walker, first produced at Kilmarnock in 1820. Black Label contains up to 40 m alt and grain scotches, each aged for at least 12 years. The mixture is soft and very high quality, with a rich taste and a slight peaty aroma.

Produced since 1801, Chivas Regal (whiskey, Scotland, 12 years old) is one of the finest blended scotches in the world. A warm amber color drink with aromas of wild herbs, honey and greenhouse fruits, with the taste of ripe apples, vanilla, hazelnuts and toffee. Contains 40% m alt scotch, of which at least 4% is Strathisla Speyside.

An example of a blended whiskey is White Horse, one of the best-selling brands in the world. Contains over 40% m alt scotch based on the unique taste of Lagavulin from Islay. Other brands that influence the final character of the drink the most are Talisker and Linkwood. The individuality, the quality of the ingredients and the care with which White Horse is produced have made it a symbol of quality and centuries of tradition.

The second most popular whiskey in the world is Speyside's finest blend of J&B single m alts, the favorite of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Light, balanced, fragrant style with a long heather aftertaste anddelicate, soft finish.

Another popular blended Scotch whiskey is Long John. The mixture was created in the twentieth century at the Tormore plant in Speyside. The Long John blend features 48 m alt whiskeys, including Laphroaig and Highland Park. The last two varieties determine the special taste of the exquisite drink.

Mount Keen blend is common in Russia - whiskey produced by Distillers Co. from Edinburgh.

Ballantines Whiskey, whose history can be traced back to 1827, is today one of the ten largest brands in the world. It is a light golden color drink with deep spicy notes and well balanced tones of chocolate, apple and vanilla, and a floral finish.

Scotch Highland Cup manufacturer Glasgow Whiskey is bottled in Belarus at Minsk Crystal OJSC.